Christie Lyles went to the University of Alabama intent on getting a degree and pursuing a career in broadcast journalism, but a volunteering experience while at UA changed her plans.

“I began my college career focused on broadcast journalism, but after doing some volunteer work with the Rise Program at the Stallings Center, my heart immediately desired to teach,” Lyles says. “Seeing students overcome challenges big and small and with so many different ability levels in a short time, I knew my calling was in the teaching field. It was a bittersweet and exciting day when I changed my major.”

Lyles, a first grade teacher at Elsanor Elementary School, is in the middle of her 11th year at the school.

After more than a decade at the front of the classroom, Lyles says she still enjoys the challenges of the career.

“I love to teach reading,” Lyles says. “It is so challenging and exciting. I love the way my students get amazed with themselves when they see what they have accomplished and what they can do. Their expressions, outbursts and big smiles of excitement over their achievements are some of my favorite memories.”

Despite a list of things that make teaching a difficult and challenging profession, Lyles says she can’t imagine herself in another profession.

“My profession is one of the hardest,” Lyles says. “You are never done with your work. You stay late. You come early. You even come and work on the weekends. You spend a ton of money on your job. You put your heart and soul into challenging, loving and encouraging the young minds you are blessed with each year. It is truly a calling and I can't imagine ever doing anything else.”

Lyles says her goal year after year is to be a positive influence on all of her students.

“I hope I can encourage my students,” Lyles says. “I hope I can show them that each of them has a talent that is like no one else's. I want my students to believe in themselves and not listen to negativity that may surround their lives. I want them to leave my classroom knowing there is nothing they can't do if they make a plan and work hard to achieve their goal.”

TEACHER: Christie Lyles

SCHOOL: Elsanor Elementary School

SUBJECT(S) TAUGHT: First grade

SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF: I love the movie "Wayne's World," and that is really embarrassing. I just love that kind of stupid humor, and I get made fun of a lot for that. But I love that movie, and I will watch it until I snort."